SAFSA WP

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to define the role, responsibilities and election process for the Athlete Representative of SAFSA WP. The Athlete Representative serves as the voice of the athletes, ensuring their interests and concerns are represented in the decision-making processes within the Association.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Athlete Representative shall:-

• Act as a liaison between the athletes and the SAFSA WP Committee
• Advocate for the needs, concerns and welfare of athletes
• Attend and participate in required meetings providing input on policies affecting athletes
• Assist in organising athlete meetings and forums to gather feedback
• Promote fair play, sportsmanship and athlete well-being
• Support athlete development initiatives, including mentorship and educational programmes
• Report any athlete-related concerns, including ethical and disciplinary matters, to the appropriate committee
• The Provincial Athlete Representative of the Provincial Committee in the Province in which a meeting of the Council shall take place shall attend the Council meeting on behalf of all the Athlete Representatives

3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for nomination as the Athlete Representative, a candidate must:-

• be at least sixteen (16) years old and a citizen of South Africa
• have no prior conviction or sanction for a doping offence
• have no outstanding disciplinary actions or suspensions
• have represented South Africa in an International Competition or ISU Championship no more than eight (8) years prior to his/her election
• demonstrate leadership, integrity and a commitment to athlete representation

4. ELECTION PROCESS

• The Athlete Representative shall be elected by a simple majority vote of current athletes who have competed in the Senior or Junior sections in the National or any of the Inter-Provincial Championships in the current or previous skating season
• Elections shall take place every three (3) years
• Nominations shall be open to eligible candidates, who must submit a nomination form and a brief statement of intent
• Voting shall be conducted by secret ballot and in person
• Each Provincial Committee shall hold elections at a date decided by the Provincial Committee which shall not be later than the date of the Annual General meeting of the Province concerned
• The election result must be announced within one (1) month of the result to Council through the Executive and the Council must by an absolute majority vote approve such Athlete Representatives

5. TERM OF OFFICE

• The Athlete Representative shall serve a three (3) year term
• They may be nominated for a maximum of one (1) further consecutive term
• If the Athlete Representative is unable to fulfil their duties or resigns, a by-election may be held to appoint a replacement

6. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Athlete Representative must:-

• Conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the SAFSA WP's rules and regulations
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive discussions
• Act in the best interests of all athletes, avoiding favouritism or bias
• Uphold the values of integrity, respect and inclusivity

7. REMOVAL FROM POSITION

The Athlete Representative may be removed from their position if they:-

• Fail to fulfil their responsibilities as outlined in this policy
• Are found guilty of misconduct, unethical behaviour or any violation of SAFSA WP rules
• Voluntarily resign from this role

The removal process shall be handled by the SAFSA WP Committee, with input from athletes where necessary.

This policy may be reviewed, amended and/or updated by the SAFSA WP Committee to align with the SAFSA National regulations and requirements.